Ishara Nanayakkara richest person in Sri Lanka: Gulf News report

South Asia’s billionaires Mukesh Ambani, Shahid Khan, Moosa Bin Shamsher, Binod Chaudhary, and Ishara Nanayakkara 

• Overtakes Dhammika Perera as wealthiest person in Sri Lanka in 2025 as per Gulf News report
• Nanayakkara among five richest billionaire titans in South Asia
• Mukesh Ambani cut above rest with $ 118 b net worth

With a net worth of $ 1.6 billion, LOLC Holdings Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara has overtaken Dhammika Perera to become the wealthiest person in Sri Lanka, according to Gulf News.

LOLC Holdings is a diversified financial services and investment conglomerate with operations in over 10 countries. Nanayakkara has played a pivotal role in expanding Sri Lanka’s presence in the global microfinance and insurance sectors.

Gulf News said Nanayakkara is among South Asia’s billionaire titans, which includes Mukesh Ambani, Shahid Khan, Moosa Bin Shamsher, and Binod Chaudhary.

As of 2025, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, continues to be the wealthiest person in India and South Asia, with a net worth estimated at $ 118 billion. His diversified empire spans telecom (Jio), energy, petrochemicals, and retail, cementing his position as a global business magnate. 

But how does Ambani’s wealth compare to the wealthiest individuals in neighbouring South Asian countries like Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh?

Pakistan: Shahid Khan — $ 13.5 billion: Shahid Khan, a Pakistani-American billionaire based in the US, is widely recognised as the wealthiest person of Pakistani origin. Born in Lahore, Khan made his fortune through Flex-N-Gate, an auto parts company. He also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) and Fulham F.C. (UK football). His estimated net worth is $ 13.5 billion. In Pakistan itself, the wealthiest resident businessman is often cited as Mian Muhammad Mansha, with a net worth of around $ 3 billion. He heads the Nishat Group, involved in textiles, banking (MCB), and power generation.

Bangladesh: Moosa Bin Shamsher — claims $ 12 billion: In Bangladesh, Moosa Bin Shamsher is a well-known and controversial figure, often referred to as the wealthiest man in the country. He claims a net worth of over $ 12 billion, primarily from international arms brokerage and global business investments. However, these figures remain unverified by global financial rankings like Forbes. Regardless, Moosa remains a public figure known for his lavish lifestyle, political connections, and philanthropic efforts.

Nepal: Binod Chaudhary — $ 1.6 billion: Nepal’s only billionaire, Binod Chaudhary, has a net worth of approximately $ 1.6 billion. Best known for his Wai Wai noodles brand, Chaudhary heads the Chaudhary Group (CG Corp Global), which operates in sectors ranging from FMCG and electronics to hospitality and real estate. Despite operating in a smaller economy, Chaudhary has managed to build a multinational presence, making him a unique success story in South Asia.

Despite the wealth and influence of these regional billionaires, Mukesh Ambani’s net worth dwarfs all others in South Asia. His $ 118 billion fortune is nearly 10 times that of Shahid Khan and far beyond the combined wealth of top tycoons in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Whether measured by business scale, global influence, or verified wealth, Ambani stands alone as the undisputed financial powerhouse of the region.

(Source: https://gulfnews.com/business/mukesh-ambani-still-richest-in-south-asiaheres-who-follows-1.500227224).